The week-long Operational Force Development Framework (OFDeF) conference consisted of four days of working groups with subject matter experts, and a main conference attended by over 60 Flag Officers, who were briefed by high-ranking Ukrainian officials from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“We simply cannot match Russia in quantity and instead must focus on smarter ways to create an asymmetrical advantage for Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield, with more innovative approaches to training, equipment, and supply chain issues. The results of this conference will be translated into demonstrable action.” Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for European Integration, Serhii Boiev
We simply cannot match Russia in quantity and instead must focus on smarter ways to create an asymmetrical advantage for Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield
The Operational Force Development Framework (OFDeF) is a Ukrainian driven process, supported by NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU), and the Security Assistance Group-Ukraine (SAG-U). Based on a 16-week holistic and interactive planning cycle, the Framework culminates in three main conferences a year, replacing dozens of separate international meetings and working groups. The first conference took place in September of 2024, which introduced the first planning cycle, the results of which were discussed this week.
While never losing sight of the urgent needs on the battlefield, the Framework is designed to look out upon an extended planning horizon out to 24 months, meaning that support can be configured to be more sustainable and aligned with NATO interoperability requirements.
“OFDeF is not just a conference. It offers us the opportunity to ensure we are boldly supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s campaign plan in the short, medium, and longer-term. There are opportunities to make change, and we must work collaboratively to act upon them, because the cost of inaction is greater than the price of resolve.” -Lieutenant-General Curtis Buzzard, Commander NSATU and SAG-U
OFDeF offers us the opportunity to ensure we are boldly supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s campaign plan in the short, medium, and longer-term
Co-located in Wiesbaden, Germany, NSATU and SAG-U are complementary organizations that operate in concert to ensure efficient and effective international support to Ukraine. As announced last December, NSATU is starting to assume responsibilities and taking on increasing tasks from the International Community. The command coordinates the training, equipment, and logistics provided by Allies and Partners, accelerating the process of aligning Ukraine’s military with NATO standards and interoperability requirements.
